The National Archives Independent Board Member – Audit and Risk Committee

Candidate briefing pack Contents

Role & Person Specification 3 Essential information 5 How to apply 6 Role and Person Specification

Audit and Risk Committee - Independent Member

Job Purpose

The Audit and Risk Committee is a crucial mechanism for supporting the National Archives Board ensuring that there are effective processes in place for governance, internal control and risk management.

As an Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Committee you will provide insight and strong constructive challenge regarding risks arising from increasing resource constraints, new service delivery models, information flows on risk and control, and the agility of the organisation to respond to emerging risks.

Role and Responsibilities

- Uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and honesty, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the values and importance of the Seven Principles of Public Life.
- Build strong and collaborative relations with The National Archives to ensure you get the support and information you will need.

Advise the Board and Accounting Officer on:

- The strategic processes for risk, internal control and governance and the Governance Statement:
- The accounting policies, the annual report and accounts of the organisation, including the process for review of the accounts prior to submission for audit, levels of error identified, and management's letter of representation to the external auditors;
- The planned activity and results of both internal and external audit;
- Adequacy of management response to issues identified by audit activity, including external audit's management letter;
- Assurances relating to the management of risk and corporate governance requirements for the organisations;
- Proposals for tendering for either internal or External Audit services or for purchase of non-audit services from contractors who provide audit services;
- Anti-fraud policies, Whistle-Blowing processes, and arrangements for special investigations; and
- The Audit and Risk Assurance Committee’s periodic review of its own effectiveness and onward submission to the Board.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

- Understanding of The National Archives vision and strategic priorities, its current significant issues and risks and the wider environment in which it operates.
- Understanding of The National Archive’s structure, including governance arrangements and key relationships in government, and with the wider archive sector.
- Appreciation of The National Archive’s culture.
- Good grasp of relevant legislation, including the Public Record Act, Freedom of Information, Data Protection. • Broad understanding of the government environment, particularly accounting structures and current major initiatives. • Demonstrable skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the Audit and Risk committee including: accounting, risk management, internal/external audit, technical specialism pertinent to the work of The National Archives. • Experience of working with Audit and Risk committees in a large or complex delivery organisation in either the public or private sectors.

Desirable Criteria

• Membership of a recognised UK accounting institution and knowledge of Government accounting. Essential information

**Time commitment & terms of office** The time commitment will be approximately 4 days per annum (to include meetings and preparation time).

**Duration** The successful applicant will be offered a 3 year contract, with the possibility of extension for a further three years. Re-appointment is not automatic.

**Review of the individual** There will be an annual appraisal of the Non-Executive Board Members as part of the board effectiveness review.

**Remuneration** The Independent Board member will receive £400 per day for the typical time commitment, which includes preparation time.

**Conflicts of interest** All candidates will be asked to disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, and these will be discussed with the candidate to establish whether and what action is needed to avoid a conflict or the perception of a conflict, taking account of advice received from the Cabinet Office Propriety and Ethics team as appropriate.

**Terms of Appointment** An offer of appointment will be made once all candidates have been interviewed, and will be subject to satisfactory completion of eligibility checks, including security. If you are offered an appointment you will receive a detailed summary of your main terms and conditions.

**Eligibility** To avoid possible disappointment at a later stage, we recommend that you check you are eligible before applying:

- **Nationality** - you must be a UK citizen, British protected person, a Commonwealth citizen, or a national of the European Economic Area (EEA), including nationals of the new member states.

**Equal Opportunities** National Archives is an equal opportunities employer, committed to equal opportunities policies. We welcome people from all backgrounds so that our workforce mirrors the community we serve. How to apply

If, after reading this information you decide to apply to join our Audit and Risk Committee, then please send the following:

- a full up-to-date CV,
- a covering letter on no more than two sides of A4 clearly setting out, in line with the person specification, what you can bring to the role.

The closing date for your completed application is **midnight on Sunday 13th September 2015**.

If you have any further questions then please contact Jane Craigie-Payne, Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development on 020 8392 5224.

Please apply by sending your CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for this role to applications@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk

Should you require details of how to apply by post, please contact Jane Craigie-Payne, Head of Human Resources & Organisational Development on 020 8392 5224

Short listed candidates will be invited to attend an interview in late October 2015 in Central London or Kew, Surrey.